By Dan Lemke

AURI commissions hemp study

Crookston, Minn. --- It’s been touted as a crop with great possibilities and it’s inching closer to being planted in Minnesota. Now an AURI-funded study will help determine the real potential for industrial hemp in Minnesota.

The study will examine current market opportunities for hemp, such as clothing and cosmetic products, as well as potential over the next five to 10 years. Production and processing issues will also be addressed.“

Minnesota needs to better identify what the real-world market and value-added processing opportunities are for industrial hemp,” says Edgar Olson, AURI executive director. “By accessing national expertise on hemp and fiber markets, we intend to provide Minnesota farmers with valuable insights that will help them make good decisions.” If the federal government approves hemp production, Olson says AURI will work with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture and University of Minnesota “to give Minnesota farmers and industry a competitive advantage.”

The study is expected to be completed by March.

For more information on the hemp industry study, contact Dan Lemke at the AURI Southeast Field Office in Waseca at (507) 835-8990.

AURI to survey meat industry

Marshall, Minn. --- Meat and poultry processing is a $3 billion industry in Minnesota, making it a valuable part of the state’s economy. AURI is undertaking a survey of the state's processors to help ensure the industry stays vital for years to come.

Minnesota has about 500 processors ranging from large-scale commercial packers to smaller, independent processors. The survey’s purpose is to determine the overall health of the industry.

“We want to use this information to determine what the capabilities and needs are in the state,” says Steve Olson, general manager of AURI’s Southwest Field Office in Marshall.

A Generic Environmental Impact Statement is being conducted by the Environmental Quality Board to look at the animal agriculture industry in Minnesota, but that doesn't include processors. Olson says “processors will be affected by what the GEIS says, so we want to find out what issues they're facing.”

Olson expects the AURI effort to also help track trends. The survey is likely to be repeated regularly to check how the industry is progressing. Olson says he hopes to have the survey completed by the end of January.